Marko Radisic and Ashley Kozel

The nonprofit’s new event, Sail Into Freedom, took place on June 15 at Sarasota Yacht Club.

All eyes are on her. As the story of a life overcome by drug addiction and sex trafficking begins, the crowd doesn’t look away. They’re engaged, shocked and saddened by the words coming out of the mouth of a young Sarasota native who survived sex trafficking.

On June 15 at Sarasota Yacht Club, a crowded room of Selah Freedom supporters gathered to hear the story of one of the Selah graduates, who is now almost 18 months sober and about to receive her Nail Technician’s certificate.

“I want you to understand what we do and what it looks like,” Selah Freedom President and CEO Elizabeth Fisher said when explaining why they asked the young woman to speak.

Guests at Sail Into Freedom enjoyed an educational evening featuring drinks, hors d’oeuvres, live music and not only the graduate’s speech, but an informational session/demonstration with Jason Quintal, AKA “Dr. Q,” the therapist who works with the survivors in Selah’s program to provide a “neuro reset” that helps them move past their trauma.

Fisher also recognized the Sarasota Police Department and various local judges for their continued support of the nonprofit.